Alexander The Great Essay

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1.What kind of society was the kingdom of Macedonia before Alexander? Do you think the differences of Macedonian social and political organization from those found in the Greek world were a factor in the successes of Philip II, Alexander III and the Successors?

Within the limited space here, this essay mainly focuses on two the main factors contribute to the successes of Philip II, Alexander III and the Successors notably, the foundations laid by Philip and the social and political differences between city-states of Greece and the kingdom of Macedonia. Before Alexander III, Macedonia was already ruled by a monarchy and the kingdom of Macedonia was already in the midst of great change. The kingdom of Macedonia stems from the ancient Brygian …show more content…

Before Alexander III, Macedonia was already in the midst of great change. Philip II who managed to unify his country and then, by 339 BCE, had gained domination over all Greece by military and diplomatic means, thus laying the foundations for its expansion under his son Alexander III the Great. When Philip II was born in 382, Macedonia was not a very strong power. After Philip II sought internal peace in his state, Macedonia had witnessed considerable changes in diplomacy, bribery, and military action to make the states of Greece affirm his superiority. In order to defeat his neighbor countries, Alexander’s father king Philip II, developed the kingdom’s economy, politics and army, cooperated with martial alliances, giving him a united Hellenic League finally. It is worthy to point out that the army of the Kingdom of Macedonia at that time was among the greatest military forces of the ancient world. Philip II of Macedonia developed this formidable army in the initial stage after he reorganized the Macedonian army. The king was expected to demonstrate his ability in these activities to show he was a Macedonian man's man capable of heading the state. The pursuit of invasion do not change over the course of Macedonian monarchy, because they would never be satisfied with any of the acquisitions had made. Furthermore, for Macedonian aristocrats like Alexander, they pursuit conquest through military action. In a word, Philip II of Macedonia has forged a powerful state which had a profound effect for the following generations. Philip II laid a solid foundation for the career of Alexander, giving him a united Hellenic

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